The grant will pay for seven to 10 high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging cameras, which will be placed along the 4.3-mile stretch of the Ohio River that the Clarksville Police Department patrols.

Officials cite assets like the Clark Memorial Bridge, K and I Railroad Bridge and McAlpine Dam as reasons Clarksville was able to secure the grant.

"Billions of dollars travel down the river, across the bridge and through this area," Clarksville Redevelopment Director Nick Lawrence said.

Those cameras will also be crucial for big events in the area, including Thunder Over Louisville, which draws huge crowds every year.

It will also be essential since this park is used daily.

"People come through here all hours of the day and the ability of these cameras to provide night and daytime visibility for the police department on a 24 hour basis is something that is going to be irreplaceable," said Clarksville Police Chief Mark Palmer.

Visitors have already increased with the opening of the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge and upcoming parks projects will only add more traffic.

More crowds are expected with an upgrade to the Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center and additional parks projects.

"It's not many times you get a chance to get ahead of things," said Clarksville Parks Superintendent Brian Kalzuny.

The federal government will contribute about $180,00 for the cameras. Clarksville must provide nearly $60,000.

"This is a great project and a great use of our tif funds to protect an area which I think this region could probably call its greatest asset and that’s the river and the riverfront," Lawrence said.

"Ultimately we just want to make sure people are safe when they come down here and that they can enjoy what we have to offer within the town of Clarksville," said Clarksville Government Resources Coordinator Scott Johnson.

"I've got a 6-year-old son and he's been coming here since he was 2 years old," said Joshua Eversole. "They've done a lot of improvements. The restrooms are better, the play areas are better. It's time they actually go ahead and improve the security and putting camera systems in is a great idea."

The thermal imaging cameras will also help police search for suspected security threats or sources of heat from a suspicious device.

They'll also be useful to respond to any accidents or rescues on the river.

The system will be able to be used by local, state and federal law enforcement.

The system will be in place by January 2015.

While the project will begin with seven to 10 cameras, there’s the opportunity to add in the future.